Chapter 21
Jake
I’ve been on edge all day thinking about my Gran and Sierra meeting Everly and Birdie. I’ve invited the four of them for dinner tonight, along with Grayson because he’s my sister’s fucking boyfriend now, and I’m just a little nervous about how it’s all going to go. It has been a long time since I’ve introduced a woman to my family, and I just want the night to go well.
I know that I’m stressing out for no reason. You only have to be in the same room as Everly for five minutes to like her. She has this calming way about her, she effortlessly makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room with her.
Everly and Birdie came over early to help with dinner, and since she hasn’t been to my house before, I wanted her to see it and feel comfortable before everyone got here. So far, we’ve been spending all of our time at Everly’s apartment—it’s just easier with Birdie. But I’d like to change that. I want them both to feel at home whenever they’re here. Hell, I’ve even thought about making the spare bedroom into a room for Birdie, but I’m afraid that’s moving too fast. I’d do it tomorrow, though, in a heartbeat if I thought Everly would go for it.
Instead, I went to Target on my lunch break yesterday and bought a few things to keep Birdie entertained. Board games, a stuffed cat she can keep here, some toys. I hope I did alright. I tried to remember what I’ve seen at Ev’s so I could buy some of the same things. From the smile on Birdie’s face when she saw everything waiting for her in the living room, I think I nailed it.
She’s been kneeling at the coffee table working on a sticker book I bought her for over half an hour, while Everly and I sit together on the couch. Everly’s tucked up into my side, her hair tickling my arm and the citrusy scent of her skin driving me mad. I love her scent so fucking much. I rest my chin on her head. It almost feels like we’re a family. From the outside looking in, anyone would think we were. And I like the thought of that. Regardless, these two feel like mine.
“Birdie-girl, there’s one more thing I bought you that I think you might like. It’s in the cabinet under the TV if you wanna go see,” I tell her with a grin.
She bounces over to the cabinet, then squeals when she opens the door and sees the Nintendo Switch. “Can we play, Jake? Can we play?”
“Birdie, mind your manners,” Everly admonishes. “What do you say to Jake?”
She drops the gaming console on the floor and scrambles over to me, hopping up into my lap. She throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you, Jake. I love it. And I love being at your house. This is the best day ever.”
“You’re welcome, and of course Birdie-girl, we can play Mario Kart,” I say, adjusting her cat ear headband on her head. This kid doesn’t go a day without that thing. “Let me finish my lemonade first.”
She kisses my cheek before slipping off my lap and skipping back to her sticker book. I watch her turn the pages, thinking to myself what a great kid she is and what a great job Everly is doing raising her. Suddenly Everly nudges my side with her elbow. “Ouch.”
“Jake, you didn’t have to do all this. You need to stop spoiling us.”
“What? It’s not a big deal. I wanted the Nintendo Switch too, so it’s not just a gift for her.”
“Still… you bought out the entire store,” Everly says, sitting up on the couch beside me. She tilts her head, her eyes narrowing as she looks at me. “What’s that look for?”
“What look?” I shrug, trying to hide my smile.
“That look. What are you hiding?”
“I didn’t buy the entire store. I guess I’m lucky I didn’t buy her what I really wanted to buy her.”
She sighs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Do I even want to know?”
“Probably not.”
“Well, you have to tell me now. I’m curious,” she presses me, her soft hand squeezing my thigh. Birdie seems to be too focused on the sticker book to notice what we’re talking about, but I answer Everly in a hushed tone to be safe.
“I saw a really nice swing set, and since I have a yard, I thought it would be perfect.”
Everly’s eyes go wide.
“Do you think I’m crazy?”
“My God, Jake, no,” she says, her eyes misting over as she looks up at me. “Birdie would love that. It is so sweet of you to think about her. You have no idea what that means to me, but you have to stop spoiling us.”
I can afford to buy her a swing set, so why wouldn’t I? Now, I’m annoyed with myself that I didn’t. I have a sudden vision of the three of us in my backyard, Birdie on the swing set. It’s cheesy as fuck, and I love it. I am way more gone for these two than I thought. I need to slow the fuck down.
“It’s nothing. And I like doing nice things for the two of you so don’t expect it to stop.”
Her shoulders drop and she shakes her head. “Something tells me I’m not going to win with you. Thank you for being the best boyfriend.” She leans into me for a kiss, and I’m a little shocked that she’s going to kiss me in front of Birdie. We haven’t done that before, but I’m not complaining. I’m happy we’re at the place in our relationship where we can be ourselves around her. My lips melt into hers. The kiss is still very PG, but it sends a shiver up my spine nonetheless.
“We’re good?”
“We are… but I’m nervous to meet your family.”
“You need to relax. My family is going to love you,” I tell her squeezing her thigh. I can tell that she’s anxious about this evening.
She looks gorgeous as always, her hair in long waves down her back, and her pale-pink dress showing off her lean, tone legs. But she’s been a little antsy since she got here, which isn’t like her.
“What are you worried about?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” She shrugs. “I’m a single mom who waits tables who is also seven years older than you.”
“Baby,” I say, cupping her jaw in my hand. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re the best mom I know, and you work your ass off to give your daughter everything you can. And even if they did have a problem with our age difference, it wouldn’t change the way I feel about you. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Good. I promise you, they’re going to love you and Birdie.”
I lean in and kiss her.
“Now, as much as I hate to leave you, I have a date to play Mario Kart.”
Everly and Iare in the kitchen when I hear my front door open. Sierra has always had a key to my house, even when she lived in Virginia Beach, but now that I have a girlfriend who tempts me at all hours of the day to fuck her, I’m considering changing the locks.
Everly wipes her hands on a tea towel and smooths out her dress. I mouth, Ready? from across the kitchen, and she nods with a smile before I lace my hand in hers as we walk towards the front door.
“There’s my favorite grandson,” Gran says, squeezing me in a tight embrace. She has her short grey hair curled and she’s wearing her signature bright pink lipstick. Thankfully, with her dementia her memory loss is mild. She’s forgetful, sometimes confused, and will repeat herself from time to time, but overall, she’s the same Gran she’s always been.
“Hi, Gran. Thanks for coming,” I say before giving Sierra a side-hug and Grayson a clap on the shoulder.
“It’s our first family dinner now that we’re brothers,” Grayson smirks. “This is a momentous occasion for us. We should take a selfie or something.”
“I will stab you if you don’t stop with that shit,” I say so that only he can hear me. The fucker just smirks and then he lets out a laugh as we follow Gran and Sierra into the living room. I watch Gran’s eyes widen the moment she sees Everly.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Jake has told me so much about you,” Everly says, embracing my Gran in a hug.
“He has, has he? I hope it has been all good things,” Gran says, raising an eyebrow in my direction. “I can see why you like this one, Jakey. She’s as pretty as a peach.”
“Okay, my turn, Gran. You can’t have her all to yourself,” my sister says with excitement in her voice. “I’m, Sierra, and this is my boyfriend, Grayson.” They both greet my girl with a hug. “We are really happy to meet you.”
“We are,” Grayson echoes. “And don’t believe anything Jake has said about me. He’s a big grump about me dating his sister, but he’ll get over it.”
“I probably won’t.” I say quickly. “I have no idea what she sees in you.”
Sierra shakes her head with a laugh. “These two just like to give each other shit. Never mind them. We are also excited to meet your daughter too. She’s here, right?”
Sierra and Gran look around the room eagerly. I can’t wait for them to meet Birdie. They are going to love her just as much as I do.
“I’m here,” Birdie says, popping her head up from behind the couch, where she’s been busy playing with Lego. “I’m Birdie.” And like the sweet kid she is, Birdie crosses the room and stands next to her mom. Gran’s eyes sparkle. My heart rate picks up at the sight of the woman who raised me with the little girl who has quickly won me over.
“Oh, look at you, sweetheart. You have the prettiest golden curls. How old are you, my love?”
“I’m seven, but only for a few more days. I’m turning eight next week!”
“Well, my goodness. Isn’t that exciting? What are you asking for?”
All eyes in the room are on Birdie as she breathes in a deep breath and begins to ramble off a list: “Well, I’d like a bike, or a doll I can feed or a cat, but my mom says no to the cat.”
I laugh, because she’s never going to give up asking for a cat and I know how Ev feels about having to take care of a pet. Gran runs her hands over Birdie’s blonde curls as my sister eagerly bends down to meet her next.
“I’m Sierra, Jake’s sister, and I’ve been so excited to meet you. I hear you are also a superstar at Mario Kart. I bet you beat him every time.”
Birdie smiles and nods. “Did you know I can even beat him with my arm in a cast?” she says with a giggle. Sierra laughs too. “Good job, Birdie,” she says, raising her hand for a high five. Birdie slaps her hand, and then holds out her other arm, still wrapped in a hot pink cast. “Will you sign this for me, all my friends have signed it.” The two of them disappear into the kitchen to find a marker in my junk drawer.
“Come here, Gran. Let’s have a seat on the sofa,” Grayson says, taking her by the elbow and helping her to the armchair.
“Everly, come sit,” she says. “I want to know all about you.”
Everly’s worries from earlier in the day seem to have disappeared already as she sits on the couch next to Gran looking perfectly at ease. I leave the three of them alone, going into the kitchen to get everyone a drink. My sister is sitting at the kitchen table next to Birdie, who is busy showing off her cast to my sister.
“This girl is tough. She told me how she fell off the monkey bars then had to have it X-rayed. She said she was at the hospital way past her bedtime.”
“She sure was. She was very brave,” I say, watching Sierra find a spot on Birdie’s cast to add her name.
“Do you think your Gran will want to sign it too?” Birdie asks, looking up at me with the Sharpie in her hand.
“I bet you she would. You should ask her.”
“Okay!” she says, skipping out of the kitchen, leaving Sierra and I alone.
“Jake, oh my God!” Sierra says. “She is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty cute.”
“How have things been going with you and Everly?”
“Good.”
She gives me a look before exhaling a breath. “C’mon, Jake, you gotta give me more than that. She seems really sweet. She’s gorgeous too.””
“Things are good. Okay, they’re great,” I admit. “I’m happy. We’re dating. Everly is a little cautious because she’s worried about Birdie getting hurt, but everyday seems to get better than the last.”
Sierra smiles before covering her mouth with her hand, eyes wide.
“What is that for?” I grumble.
“You’re happy, Jake, and it’s about time. You deserve this. Now just don’t go fucking it up.”
I laugh. “Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence. Now here, will you help me with the drinks?”
The dinner goes as smoothly as I knew it would. Everly and Birdie fit in seamlessly with everyone—it’s almost like we have all known each other for years. I didn’t remove my hand from Everly’s thigh under the table the entire time, liking the way it felt to have her next to me at a family dinner. After we’ve cleaned up, we’re talking in the kitchen while Ev is putting on a movie for Birdie in the living room to wind her down. I notice Grayson grab Sierra by the loops on her jeans and pull her down on his lap, kissing her temple. He lowers his mouth to her ear, whispering something that makes her blush. It makes me want to barf.
“You two are gross,” I say with a roll of my eyes.
Everly walks into the kitchen just in time to notice the eye-roll. “What did I miss?” she asks, nudging me with her shoulder.
“Nothing. I’m just sitting here having to watch my best friend kiss my sister.”
“Get used to it,” Grayson says. “Your sister is a smoke show. I’m going to—”
“Finish that thought,” I interrupt him, because I know Gray and he likes to push my buttons. “And you’ll be leaving here in an ambulance.”
“Oh my God, Jake. I am 25 years old,” Sierra sighs. “The protective brother shtick has got to stop.”
Grayson is smirking, his eyes flicking from me to Sierra. “Jake’s bark is bigger than his bite. He just likes to hear his own voice. He’s like a big ol’ Golden Retriever behind that broody vibe he likes to rock. Just look at him with Birdie, who is the cutest thing on this earth, by the way, Everly.”
Everly’s eyes brighten like they always do when she’s thinking about her baby. “Thank you. She’s a spitfire. She’s been a force to be reckoned with since she was born.”
“I bet. You must have been really young when you had her,” he says, sticking his foot directly in his mouth. “You don’t look much older than 25.” I haven’t told anyone about our age difference. I’m not sure why. It doesn’t bother me that Ev is older than me. I guess, it just hasn’t come up.
Her eyes flick to me nervously before moving back to Grayson. “Well, I was actually 26 when I had her.”
It feels like everyone in the room is doing the math in their heads, or maybe that’s just me being overly sensitive. But beside me, I feel Everly stiffen a bit, so I know she’s gauging their reactions as well.
“Older woman, Jakey. You’re a lucky guy,” Grayson says, breaking the ice. “Every guy’s secret fantasy.”
“Excuse me?” Sierra teases, elbowing him in the ribs.
”Not me, babe. You’re my secret fantasy,” Gray says, kissing her neck.
“Seriously.” I shake my head at them. “Can you guys save that shit for when I’m not sitting right here?”
“Age is just a number. Everyone knows that.” Gran adds.
Beside me, I can feel the nervous energy deflate from Everly’s body. I hear the breath she was holding exhale. Now everybody knows about our age difference, and it turns out that nobody cares. I’m happy to have that over with.
“Do you have any plans for Birdie’s birthday?” Sierra asks, getting up from Grayson’s lap and taking their empty mugs to the sink.
“The birthday girl wants sushi and ice cream, so that is what we will do on Tuesday, then on Friday I’m dropping her off in Brookmont for the weekend. That’s where her dad lives.”
“We’re dropping her off in Brookmont,” I say.
Everly turns to face me, brows knit together. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m going with you. Thought we’d make a weekend out of it. I booked us a hotel.”
“Wait, what? When did this happen?”
Grayson and Sierra share a look before Grayson gets up from the table. “You guys should probably talk. I think that’s our cue to go.”
After everyone is gone, I shut the door before pushing my girlfriend up against it. “Are you excited to spend the weekend with me?”
“I thought I told you to stop spoiling me.”
“I can’t have you sitting at home all weekend worried about Birdie. Besides, this isn’t about spoiling you. Spending two nights with you in a hotel room sounds too good to pass up. I have a list of things I can do to you to take your mind off of things,” I say, nudging my thigh between her legs. I grip her hip in my hand, and she lets out a breathy moan.
“Sooo,” I say, gripping her hip a little more tightly. “Birdie’s asleep, and our company is gone. I finally have you all to myself. Tell me how you would like me to fuck you.”
She moans as I run my nose across her jaw, stopping to nibble on her ear lobe.
“Surprise me.”
I have her legs wrapped around my waist in record time before I’m carrying her down the hall and into my bedroom.